Heterogeneous magnesium matrix nanocomposites (Hetero-Mg-NCs) exhibited excellent strength–toughness synergy, but their damage behavior and toughness mechanism lacked of investigation. Here, atomic force microscopy was first employed to characterize the microstructure evolution and damage behavior of the Hetero-Mg-NCs after indentation. The heterogeneous structure comprised of pure Mg areas (soft phase) and Mg nanocomposite areas (hard phase) was revealed by the electrostatic force microscopy. Furthermore, the surface morphology and cracks of the deformed area were investigated with high resolution. The results indicated the soft phase undertook most of the deformation and played an important role in capturing and blunting the crack.

异质镁基纳米复合材料（Hetero-Mg-NCs）表现出优异的强度-韧性协同作用，但其破坏行为和韧性机理尚待研究。在这里，原子力显微镜首先被用来表征压痕后Hetero-Mg-NCs的微观结构演变和破坏行为。静电力显微镜显示了由纯Mg区域（软相）和Mg纳米复合材料区域（硬相）组成的异质结构。此外，高分辨率地研究了变形区域的表面形态和裂纹。结果表明，软相承担了大部分变形，并在捕获和钝化裂纹方面发挥了重要作用。